Postharvest vase life of two flowering Eucalyptus species

Abstract

Continuous application of 0.5-5.0% sucrose in the vase solution reduced vase life of Eucalyptus tetragona flowers, from > 13 days for the reverse osmosis (RO) water control to < 10 days; vase life of Eucalyptus youngiana was not affected by up to 2% sucrose. Pulsing with 0.5-10% sucrose, in conjunction with cold dry storage at 3°C for 1-2 weeks, had no effect on vase life of E. tetragona flowers, which had a subsequent vase life of 11-12 days regardless of cold storage period. Citric acid in vase and pulsing solutions did not affect vase life of either species. Overall flower life was the vase life-limiting factor. The usefulness of E. youngiana for flowers is limited due to excessive nectar and pollen drop. Significant differences in vase life of about 50% were found between individual plants of E. tetragona and E. youngiana. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.